Celebrating the life of MaryJo Aerts

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Obituary for MaryJo Aerts

MaryJo Rose Aerts, 33, passed away on August 2, 2018. She was born on April 1, 1985, to Joseph and Tami Aerts in Wrightstown, WI. She graduated from Wrightstown High School in 2003, UW Stevens Point, and University of Portland. She began her education career at St. Andrew Nativity School, in Portland, OR. She served in the Peace Corps for three years in Nicaragua. She continued working in Nicaragua, teaching at St. Augustine Preparatory School. For the past two years, she served with Catholic Relief Services in Laos and Afghanistan. MaryJo had a passion for assisting those without access to education. When asked when she would return to the United States, she replied, "When all the 4 million girls in Afghanistan can go to school."

She is survived by parents Joseph and Tami Aerts, siblings Janet and Wallace Bandeff, Jim Aerts (fiance Sarah Hofkes), Peter Aerts, nephew and niece Oliver and Leah Bandeff, maternal grandparents Robert and Rosanne Bastian, paternal grandparents Russ and Joan Aerts, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends from around the world.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate MaryJo's life will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:00 am at St Clare Catholic Church, Greenleaf, with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating. In lieu of flowers, a foundation is being established to continue her work in Afghanistan.

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